Richard Davis
In our last article we talked about the origins of Barbershop music and how this art form is unique. But how did this music become so well known?
In 1938, during the Depression, the country was ripe for something fun and free. O.C. Cash and Rupert Hall, both from Tulsa, Okla., wanted to preserve Barbershop music and sent out 14 invitations to their friends. Twenty-six men showed up. Thus began the quick growth of men who enjoyed harmony. O.C. Cash recognized that an organization would be beneficial and started the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America, or SPEBSQSA for short (unofficially pronounced “Spebsqwa”), a lengthy acronym poking fun at the myriad government programs that had their own acronyms. Some musical titles were selected to represent the core of songs for the society, famously “Sweet Adeline” as an example.
The society spread across the country and then across the world. The society received a boost when the Barbershop song “Lida Rose” was sung in the musical, The Music Man.
The art form is typically G-rated. Whole families may belong. That and the code of ethics of the society assures that everyone can enjoy a Barbershop show.
The SaddleBrooke Barbershop Chorus continues to enjoy and share Barbershop music in SaddleBrooke, SaddleBrooke Ranch, and in the general Tucson area. If you would like more information about barbershop music, or about joining or booking our local SaddleBrooke Barbershop Chorus, please call our director Bruce at 520-306-2113 or look us up online at saddlebrookebarbershopchorus.org.